Public Works Department
Bret VandeLune, Planning and Development Manager
5885 NE 14 Street Des Moines, IA 50313
Email:
bret.vandelune@polkcountyiowa.gov
The Development Services Division of the Public Works Department consists of five
distinct areas: Building Inspection, Environment Sanitation, Housing Rehab, Emergency
Repair, Weatherization and Real Estate.
The Building Inspection Division (286-3352) issues permits and inspects new construction
and additions to residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The building
division inspects new construction and additions for compliance with the Polk County
Uniform Construction Code.
The Environmental Sanitation Division (286-3376) provides services related to those
affecting the health and safety to the physical environment in which we live. Services
include: inspection of on-site wastewater systems, swimming pool and spa inspections,
and inspections of private wells, investigation of all nuisance complaints in regard
to environmental health, mosquito control, and radon testing.
The Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Division (286-3726) administers a program
to low and moderate income homeowners in designated areas of Polk County – Lovington
and Capitol Heights. The goal of the program is to maintain affordable housing and
revitalize the two designated neighborhoods. Utilizing Community Development Block
Grants and local funds, this program not only rehabilitates the property, but provides
for property cleanup and new landscaping.
The Emergency Repair (286-3726) Division provides emergency repairs for eligible
low income families in unincorporated and all incorporated areas of Polk County.
Eligible families are referred to Public Works by Community, Family and Youth Services,
General Assistance (286-3385). Inspectors will visit the home and make determination
of the repair need, secure a contractor, and ensure work is satisfactory completed.
The Weatherization Program (286-2258) provides services to low income homeowners
and renters in Polk County to help reduce their utility costs. Families in Polk
County who qualify for assistance will be evaluated to determine the extent of work
to be complete, which may include: furnace and water heater replacements, insulation,
replacement of windows, and in some instances, replacement of high energy usage
refrigerators and freezers.